By Gabe Gonzalez — If I were to describe this premiere issue of the new sci-fi comic, We Only Find Them When They’re Dead, I would do it with one word…fascinating. When it was first announced, I was enthralled with the beautiful artwork by Simone Di Meo as well as Mariasara Miotti’s vibrant colors that exploded off the page. I was also drawn in by what looked like wholly-original concepts, coursing with excitement. And it was all coupled with yet another high-concept Al Ewing story. After Ewing’s Rocket Raccoon series and his landmark run of Immortal Hulk, I firmly believe the man can turn any established property or original IP into pure gold. And now he’s coming up with concepts of his own.

This story is about an autopsy ship known as the Vihaan II using its capabilities to gather resources from the corpses of giant celestial gods that float within the cosmos. The ship’s pilot, Captain Malik, wants to be the first individual to find a living space god. Look, if that doesn’t sell you on this book, I don’t know what will. And it’s not just the concept. The execution here is phenomenal. Simply put, if you don’t read this comic, you might be missing out on potentially the best comic of 2020.

In the current world of comics, I firmly believe Al Ewing is one of the best writers. His work has a unique voice that’s hard to find anywhere else. His stories don’t fall into cut-and-dry categories. No, instead he builds distinct narratives that deeply engage the reader, and this book is no exception. Within the 27 pages of WOFTWTD, we are treated to a fully-realized world built on the foundations of celestial fiction interwoven with a story of intergalactic miners, plus also a heavy dash of inter-office bickering about the laws and ethics of god harvesting. Ewing’s script delivers a world of different factions, crew mates with individual thought processes, currency, mysteries, and an obvious love for science fiction that’s so mesmerizing and seems so effortless. And it’s all from a creative mind that knows exactly what the story must entail and how to execute it. The universe that this team manages to build within several pages is absolutely incredible and grants the reader an open door into a new fascinating world.

The star player within this comic, however, is the artwork, full stop. It is absolutely amazing what the duo of Di Meo and Miotti were able to do to grab the reader with such an explosion of visuals. This book is simply just a perfect combination of writer, artist, and colorist. Di Meo draws immaculate designs, whether that be the intricate ship detailing or the awe-inspiring illustration of a deceased intergalactic god floating amongst the stars. Then, when you add in the vibrancy of the oranges, greens, pinks, and purples that Miotti and Di Meo use, the world within the comic becomes much more expressive, with a whole new life of its own. The finished product makes the reader believe in this incredible, living and breathing universe without much of a second thought. This book truly gives readers a morsel of flavor to the world of WOFTWTD and it’ll be incredibly exciting to see what else the team is planning for the issues to come.

Overall: A fantastic first issue, and an amazing first look at the world of a brand-new sci-fi epic. The artwork and writing combine to craft a powerhouse of a comic that might be the best book of 2020 if the quality stays this high. 10/10

REVIEW: We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #1

We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #1
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Simone Di Meo
Color Assistance: Mariasara Miotti
Letterer: Andworld Design
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Price: $3.99
For fans of Decorum and Something is Killing the Children comes a new sci-fi epic from Al Ewing (Immortal Hulk) and Simone Di Meo (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers). Captain Malik and the crew of the Vihaan II harvest resources from the giant corpses of alien gods found on the edge of human space. While other autopsy ships race to salvage the meat, minerals, and metals that sustain the human race, Malik sees an opportunity to finally break free from this system by being the first to find a living god. But Malik's obsession with the gods will push his crew into danger at the darkest reaches of space and face -- unless the rogue agent on their trail can stop them first…
Release Date: September 2, 2020
Buy It Digitally: We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #1

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Gabe Gonzalez